Breathing techniques, meditation and yoga are all well known for helping us engage our parasympathetic nervous systems (the rest and digest branch of our nervous system) and when practiced regularly, they’re among the most powerful and effective ways of maintaining equanimity. Sometimes though, complementary tools can be very helpful as a bridge to transition — a way of helping us establish grounding connection in moments of overwhelm (the fight or flight branch of our nervous system) when our pulse is racing and we’re under the influence of heightened emotion — fear, alienation, fragmentation, whatever it may be. Those times when we may not feel up to taking out our mat and just need a moment.
Different approaches work for different people and circumstances, but my goal is to simply add to your tool box. Some of these ideas may seem less conventional but I’m guessing that if you’re here, you’re probably open to exploring.
…